by Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

by Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

Only two Southeastern Conference teams enter Week 7 of the 2013 season without a loss. You know one: No. 1 Alabama has now won nine in a row dating to last November, the third-longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The second undefeated SEC team comes as a bit of a surprise: Missouri, now 5-0, has matched its win total from all of last season.

But that's misleading. Missouri slid to five wins last fall, its first as a member of the SEC, not because of the increased level of competition - the Tigers had been extremely successful in the Big 12 - but largely to a cruel run of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback James Franklin, for example, was hampered throughout last season with the lingering effects of an injury to his throwing shoulder and a sprained left knee.

Now healthy, Missouri's offense has regained some of its explosiveness in the new-look SEC - now one of the highest-scoring leagues in the FBS. But can the Tigers maintain this pace against the SEC's best? After starting 5-0 against lesser competition, Missouri put its perfect record on the line at No. 7 Georgia in a game with long-lasting implications. A win not only legitimizes Missouri's torrid start; it also moves the Tigers to the top of the SEC East while vaulting this team into the national championship conversation.

Nine other teams with something to prove this weekend in college football:

Texas

For all its early-season struggles, the Longhorns remain in good position: Texas is 2-0 in conference play, tying it with Oklahoma and Texas Tech for first in the Big 12. That UT stands in the Bowl Championship Series mix adds another layer to Saturday's rivalry date with the Sooners, though history is not on the Longhorns' side: UT has dropped three in a row to OU, the last two by a score of 128-38. "We can get all this righted by winning the Big 12," coach Mack Brown said after a 44-23 loss to Mississippi on Sept. 14 dropped UT to 1-2. Beating OU puts Texas on that path.

Indiana

The Hoosiers' confidence has skyrocketed after a convincing win against longtime nemesis Penn State. But Indiana's season has seen similar highs already: IU has alternated wins and losses the last four weeks, with last weekend's win against Penn State following a 45-28 loss to Missouri. To reach the postseason, the Hoosiers and this passing game must go on the road and move the football against Michigan State's stingy defense. For those still on the fence, beating the Spartans on the road would endorse IU's hopes for a postseason berth.

Washington

If last week's loss at Stanford tested Washington's resolve, Saturday's home game against Oregon will test the Huskies' stamina. Two weeks, two teams, two championship contenders, two very different styles: UW moves from the Cardinal's physical style to the Ducks' quick-tempo electricity, and the Huskies' hopes for a Rose Bowl berth hang in the balance. Although the loss at Stanford didn't drop UW too far in the polls, it would tough for this team to retain its national ranking with a lopsided loss to the Ducks. Ironically, perhaps the only way to slow down Oregon's offense is to feign injury - but don't tell that to Washington coach Steve Sarkisian.

Florida

Despite what seems like evidence to the contrary, Florida enters Week 7 at 3-0 in the SEC, tied for the first in the East Division. The offense has been sparked by the ascension of quarterback Tyler Murphy, who replaced an injured Jeff Driskel as starter in a Sept. 28 win at Kentucky. While the defense continues to rank among the nation's best, the Gators' offense will be needed against LSU and new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Consider: Florida has gained more than 400 yards against SEC competition only four times since hiring Will Muschamp in 2010 - with three of those games coming against the Wildcats.

Baylor

The offense is on pace to shatter FBS season records for points and yards per game. How will the Bears fare on the road? Saturday's trip to Kansas State marks Baylor's first trip outside the friendly confines; it's also the team's stiffest test to date, even if the Wildcats have scuffled while breaking in a new cast. While Baylor's offensive production strains credulity, the team's national standing has seemingly suffered for its soft early-season schedule.

Maryland

The Terrapins' first taste of ACC play ended poorly: Florida State 63, Maryland 0. It's on coach Randy Edsall and his staff to rebuild the team's tattered sense of self-confidence in advance of Saturday's home game against Virginia, another team reeling after an ugly loss to Ball State. This week's matchup with the Cavaliers is the first of two must-win games in a row before Maryland meets Clemson to end October. Maryland could still regain a national ranking, but only if it takes care of business against the bottom half of the ACC.

Michigan

Very little about the Wolverines has inspired confidence that they can remain unbeaten all the way to Nov. 30 when they host Ohio State. Was last weekend's 42-13 victory over Minnesota a major step forward or fool's gold? We should find out more this weekend when Michigan travels to Penn State, which should be desperate coming off a lopsided loss at Indiana last weekend. Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, who has eight interceptions this season, must avoid turnovers.

Bowling Green

While very much a Mid-American Conference contender - perhaps the best team in the East Division - Bowling Green has failed to match last season's level of consistency on defense. The good news? The Falcons are still 5-1, even if the last three wins have come against Murray State, Akron and Massachusetts. Saturday's trip to Mississippi State is a big game for Bowling Green, of course, but it's an equally important road date for the MAC; the league has some top-heavy contenders, led by Northern Illinois, but could use another marquee non-conference win.

Boise State

Remember these guys? With two losses already, the Broncos have fallen out of the national conversation but their Mountain West title hopes are very much on the line Saturday at Utah State. The Aggies might have been favored in this game, but quarterback Chuckie Keeton suffered a season-ending knee injury last week, giving Boise a huge opportunity to get back in the division race and perhaps earn a rematch with Fresno State in the conference championship game.